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Creamy Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Version for Cozy Meals

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A creamy, cheesy broccoli cheddar soup inspired by Panera, perfect for cozy meals and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (can use frozen if needed)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute dairy-free milk like oat milk)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop fresh broccoli into small florets, about 4 cups total.
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent and sweet, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds without browning.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the butter and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until it becomes paste-like and bubbles.
  5. Slowly whisk in 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth and 2 cups whole milk. Stir continuously to keep smooth and bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add chopped broccoli florets to the simmering soup. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes until broccoli is tender but still firm.
  7. Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup in the pot. Alternatively, carefully blend half the soup in batches and return to the pot.
  8. Lower heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted before adding more.
  9. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
  10. Simmer gently on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Notes

Add cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping. If soup becomes too thick, thin with additional broth or milk. Use fresh broccoli and freshly shredded cheese for best texture and flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese. Soup tastes better the next day after flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, Panera copycat, easy soup recipe, homemade broccoli cheddar, cozy meals, comfort food

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/creamy-panera-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-version-for-cozy-meals/